Rochester Red Wings to wear hockey-themed jerseys

You’d be forgiven if your thoughts go to hockey when you hear the name of the Triple-A baseball team in Rochester, New York. Minor League Baseball’s Rochester Red Wings, who adopted their nickname in 1928, pre-date the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings by three years, but it’s safe to say that hockey’s Red Wings edge out the baseball team in terms of name recognition.

So when the Rochester Red Wings announced that they would hold “Hockey Day in Rochester” later this season, it made a certain amount of sense. However, it won’t be the Detroit Red Wings featured on Rochester’s baseball sweaters, but rather the AHL’s Rochester Americans.

The Red Wings will wear jerseys that emulate those worn by their cross-town hockey cousins. Like the Rochester Red Wings, who are North America’s longest continuously operating non-Major League franchise, the Americans have deep roots. They were founded in 1956, and among all AHL teams, the Americans rank behind only the Hershey Bears in terms of how long they’ve been in their current location.

Hockey Day in Rochester will take place August 11, with a 1:05 game against the Louisville Bats. Game-worn jerseys will be auctioned off to benefit multiple veterans’ charities.